We were lucky to catch up with Chukwudi Ome recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chukwudi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the biggest risks I took was launching IOYWAV during my second year in university with no financial backing or industry connections. I was investing everything I had—time, energy, and money—into building a brand without a guaranteed return. Designing, producing, and marketing collections while still in school was tough, but it taught me how to navigate challenges and trust my creative instincts.
Chukwudi , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Chukwudi Ome, a multidisciplinary artist and the Design & Artistic Director of IOYWAV VETERANSONLY. Born in Nigeria and raised in Houston, Texas, my work blends fashion, art, and culture into a unified narrative. I’ve been designing for six years, building IOYWAV into a brand known for its craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural relevance. Beyond my own label, I am creative-direct and style, bringing a fresh perspective to people’s public image. My goal is to redefine how fashion intersects with sports, culture, and contemporary arts.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Authenticity and relationship-building have been the most effective strategies. Rather than chasing every opportunity, I focus on creating genuine connections with creatives who align with my brand’s aesthetic. Leveraging social proof—by working with artists and organically gaining credibility—has also helped IOYWAV grow. Consistent, high-quality content on Instagram, paired with direct and personalized outreach, has allowed me to build a clientele that genuinely values the brand. Lastly, delivering exceptional products and experiences creates word-of-mouth growth, which is more valuable than any marketing strategy.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining moments of resilience was during the early stages of IOYWAV. I had just invested heavily into a collection, but due to production issues, many of the pieces were delayed and flawed. I was faced with either scrapping the collection or finding a way to salvage it. Instead of giving up, I pivoted to storytelling the brand more and used the setback as an opportunity to refine the brand’s vison and aesthetic. That experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and the value of patience in the creative process. It also shaped how I now approach challenges—seeing them as moments to innovate rather than obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: ioywav.com and www.frntrfrntr.club
- Instagram: @chvkwdi @ioywav
